occupant\oc"cu*pant\ (?), n. [l. occupans, p. pr. of occupare: cf. f. occupant. see occupy.]1. one who occupies, or takes possession; one who has the actual use or possession, or is in possession, of a thing.note: this word, in law, sometimes signifies one who takes the first possession of a thing that has no owner.2. a prostitute. [obs.]occupant n : someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there [syn: resident, occupier]

Within the context of building construction and building codes, "occupancy" refers to the use, or intended use, of a building, or portion of a building, for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property. A closely related meaning is the number of units in such a building that are rented, leased, or otherwise in use. Lack of occupancy, in this sense, is a vacancy.

Noun1. someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there (synonym) resident, occupier (hypernym) inhabitant, dweller, denizen, indweller (hyponym) Latin American, Spanish American (derivation) occupy, reside, lodge in

Any person who is in or upon a motor vehicle in transport. Includes the driver, passengers, and persons riding on the exterior of a motor vehicle (e.g., a skateboard rider who is set in motion by holding onto a vehicle). (NHTSA3)

He derives his title of occupancy either by taking possession of a thing without an owner, or by purchase or gift of the thing from the owner, or it descends to him by due course of law.

When the occupiers of a house are entitled to a privilege in consequence of such occupation, as to pass along a way, to enjoy a pew, and the like, a person who occupies a part of such house, however small, is entitled to some right and cannot be deprived of it.

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.